Time to Move

The plan for yesterday was to go to the gym and get in a few miles on the treadmill right after work. Well, “right after work” is a horrible time to go to the gym because everyone in the neighborhood has the same idea. Sometimes I get lucky. Yesterday was not one of those days. Every single treadmill, bike, elliptical machine … everything was taken. I sat in the parking lot for ten minutes watching to see if something would free up but nothing.

I had an idea. There is another branch of my gym not too far from where I live – maybe 15 minutes – so I decided to head over there to check out the availability. I was hopeful but when I arrived I wasn’t surprised to find the same situation.

As I drove home, I tried to figure out my next move. I was dressed and ready to work out. I was going to work out. I got home a little after six, made some dinner and turned on Netflix to watch Rescue Me (my new addiction) and started to think. The advantage of belonging to a 24-hour gym is that I can go whenever I feel like it. So I decided that I would head back over to the gym after 8:00, when most of the people have cleared out.

And that is exactly what I did. I was determined to get my miles in. I’m discovering that I have to stop being so regimented in everything that I do. I have got to be more flexible. If I can’t run outside, I don’t run. If I can’t get to the gym at a certain time, I don’t go. That way of thinking has gotten me nowhere. One of the ladies in my running group logged over 100 miles in the month of January. I only did 48. And she has a young child that she sometimes brings to the trail that she pushes in a stroller while she runs. That is determination. There is another woman who is as fit as I would like to be one day. She wins fitness competitions, runs a 9-minute mile and her body is amazing. Well, she didn’t get that way by slacking. She works at it every single day. I admire these women so much. I have absolutely no excuse. No more excuses and no more complaining. It’s time to move.

I'm a Pear

I took a really good look at my naked image in the mirror last night and I have come to the realization that I am a pear.

A pear.

Pears are okay. Not my favorite fruit but they’ll do in a pinch. But I think I’d rather be an hourglass.

I've spent the last year running for better cardiovascular health, and I've increased my endurance and I just feel better ... but in the process I have turned myself in to a pear.

I have work to do. This year I have got to incorporate consistent strength training into my fitness regimen and I have got to be more diligent about my diet.

I've been convincing myself that as long as I don't gain weight than I'm okay. And that's true, I've been the same weight for the last year. I've lost inches in my waist and found them in my butt and thighs and yet the scale never moves.

I don't look bad but I want my shape to be more balanced. The goal is to strengthen my upper body and core, which, by the way, will improve my speed. I have got to do this. I do not want to pay for a trainer but I'm not sure I can accomplish this on my own. On the other hand, I trained alone for my first race and was successful. I can do this if I would only get serious about it.

Maybe if I put pictures of pears all over my house I would get motivated.

2011 Year End Report

It was in March 2011 that I actually considered myself a runner. After all, I had the $100 shoes to prove it.

In June I began to track my workouts on the daily mile. I just received my year end report of how I did in 2011:

Ran a total of 281 miles

Averaged about 10 miles a week

96 workouts

12 lbs burned - I find this stat interesting because my scale tells a much different story.

Ran competitively 4 times in June, July, August and December.

Here is the breakdown by month:

June - 16 miles
July - 48 miles
August - 41 miles
September - 36 miles
October - 48 miles
November - 43 miles
December - 49 miles

Last year I averaged about 40 miles a month. I have to more than double that this year if I want to reach the goal of 1,212 miles in 2012. Impossible? Probably. But I can guarantee this: I will more than double the miles for the year. That's something, isn't it?

Much Respect

I did another five miles today.

Much respect to all you runners who get up early, lace up and hit the pavement. When I see you out on the trail, I smile. We're sharing something really amazing. I know how hard it is to wake up before dawn and be intentional about getting ready for a run. It's so much easier to just roll over and get some more sleep. Some may ask, "well, if it's so hard why keep doing it?" The answer is simple: I no longer have a choice. Running is part of me. It's like breathing.

So when I see you out there, just know that you have my respect.

Monday Mid-Morning Movie Demographic

Ever been to a matinee at 10:30 on a Monday morning?

I hadn't either until yesterday.

I thought it would be a good idea to take a few days off after the race so I could decompress. I've been obsessed with this thing for more than two months. I haven't been able to think about anything else and I just really needed a few days to get my mind right.

Since my son is employed at the AMC 18 I am able to see movies free of charge Monday thru Thursday (without him) and on the weekends (with him). I didn't really think that I would talk advantage of it because when would I ever go see a movie during the week? As it turns out, the opportunity presented itself yesterday.

I went to see Bridesmaids at 10:30 on Monday morning and let me just say this: alot of the jokes you see in the previews did not make the film. It was still hilarious and gross and crude and touching and sentimental and I actually shed a tear at the end.

I love to people watch and it causes me to wonder about people's backstories. I'm fascinated by people. I had quite a bit to contemplate while watching the Monday mid-morning movie goers. Like, what is the deal with the "beautiful" couple to my right. They both appeared to spend a fair amount of time at the gym. He was older than her but not in a dirty old man kind of way. She was wearing a dress that would have been more suitable for a night club with cleavage and heels to match. They couldn't keep their hands off each other. If I had to guess, I'd say they were dating for less than a year.

There was another couple to my left who were pretty young and started out with a seat or two between them. I couldn't even tell that they were together. By the time the movie ended they were sitting next to each other.

Then in front of me was a row of stay-at-home moms. They talked non-stop through the coming attractions and I thought for sure I would have to kick someone's seat if they didn't shut up when the movie started. They seemed to be so excited to be out of the house and interacting with adults. They were already planning which movie they would all see next and who they would get to babysit all the kids.

Then there was me. Sitting alone in a movie theater contemplating my next move. What am I going to do next? I like having a goal that I'm working toward. Now that the race is complete and I'm feeling all types of good, what is next? I'm slightly fearful that if I don't keep occupied I'm going to slip back into a rut. I suppose I should have thought about the next thing while I was still working on the first thing.

Anywho, I got up and ran for the first time since the race. First time I ran without pressure. Felt pretty good.

I Missed the Gym

Seven days out of the gym makes one weak.

Or something like that.

I didn’t go to the gym once last week. I was feeling crampy and crabby and I just couldn’t make myself go. So instead, I continued working with the stability ball and free weights and yoga at the house. So I wasn’t completely inactive.

But there is just something about going to the gym. Even though I worked out at home I still felt guilty. I don’t really work up a sweat at the house and I associate sweating with real work.

So last night I went to the gym. Oh the gym. How I have missed the gym. I wrapped my new ‘do tightly and put on a ball cap, put in my earphones, hopped on that treadmill and walked/ran to my heart’s content. Thirty-five minutes, two miles and 364 calories later I had worked up a really good sweat and I no longer felt guilty.

There is a very interesting woman that comes to the gym. She has to be in her fifties, petite, perfectly coiffed and perfectly made up. At the gym. She gets on the treadmill and walks, watches FoxNews and talks on the phone. She never breaks a sweat. I find her fascinating.

Then there was the guy who was dressed for the gym, came in the door, hung out for a good ten minutes and left. His story? Personally, I think he left his house and told his wife/girlfriend that he was going to the gym. He just failed to mention how long he would be there and where he was going afterward.

My ex-husband used to do stuff like that. True story: He’d be on his way out the door and ask me if I wanted anything from the store. I’d say no. He’d come back three hours later with nothing in his hands. “I thought you were going to the store,” I’d inquire. “No, I was going out and I just wanted to know if you wanted anything while I was out.”

Just thought I’d throw that in there.

You’re welcome.

Keeping it Cool and Classy

It’s Friday and the temperature is going to reach triple digits all weekend. Stay hydrated. Stay inside. Rent some movies, get some junk food and close the blinds. Forget the junk food and get some fruit … yeah, fruit.

I only missed one gym day this week and that was Tuesday. Tuesday is the day that I work on my legs and glutes (i.e. booty). Tuesday was a horrendous work day and at the end of that day all I wanted was a glass of wine and my comfy sofa. Plus, the last time I worked legs I had a difficult time walking for two days. I really need to adjust the weights. I’ll do better next week.

Take a minute to encourage someone today. Choose to do the right thing instead of the wrong thing. When the opportunity arises for you to insert the perfect sarcastic remark – refrain. Add some beauty to the world.

Every morning since I returned from the life-changing spa experience I have made a point to spend real, quality time with God. It has seriously made a difference. I get up, turn on the “Soothing Moments” CD that I got from my aesthetician, open the blinds, sit on the floor, look toward heaven, breathe deeply and just … meditate, pray, cry, whatever … it is the perfect way for me to start my day because it reminds me that whatever is in front of me is going to be okay. It reminds me that I am connected to something bigger than myself. It reminds me that I am not the center of the friggin’ universe. It keeps me humble. It keeps me focused. Those moments are essential. My house is quiet and it is the perfect opportunity not only to talk to God but also to hear from Him. I mean, I talk to him all day long but in the morning I have the chance to really hear from Him.

Italy beckons.

I haven’t really been out since the whole car-getting-stolen debacle. So on Sunday I’m going to a Summer Wine Social at one of my favorite restaurants. New wines to try and good food to sample, oh what could be better? I’m genuinely impressed each time I eat here. The food is creatively prepared and presented and their wine cellar includes over 5,000 bottles. I’m excited.

I just RSVP’d for Tuesday’s book club even though I didn’t read the book. Why? Because it’s a night out. I get to hang out with the smart girls and munch on munchies and sip on … you guessed it … wine!

I haven’t thought about cutting my hair for three days straight.

Life is pretty darned good.

Enjoy the weekend.

Stay cool and keep it classy.


** I noticed I mentioned wine alot in this post. Mmmmmm ... wine

Finally Friday

It feels so good to have reached the end of another work week. I set a goal at the beginning of the week to take my strength training more seriously. I created a schedule (with the help of Body Building.com) that I was determined to stick to:

Monday – Chest, Shoulders and Triceps
Tuesday – Legs and Glutes
Wednesday – Cardio
Thursday – Back, Biceps, Abs
Friday – Rest
Saturday – Cardio
Sunday – Rest

I won’t bore you with the details of the specific exercises, weights and reps but suffice it to say I pushed myself and I have successfully made it to Friday, my day of rest and thank God because my body is screaming! I did more reps than I normally would and I have discovered that my legs aren’t as strong as I think they are. I’m pushing through the pain.

I may throw a yoga class into the mix on Saturdays. I really want to but my body won’t let me right now. Now that I have reached my goal weight I want to build muscle and stay strong. I don’t want to be one of those frail little old ladies. It’s gone beyond vanity and wanting to look good in a bikini. I just want to live healthier.

I have things to do.

My Latest, Greatest, Inspiration

Tomorrow morning on GMA the world’s oldest female bodybuilder is going to be featured. She’s going to train Robin.

Read more here

She’s 74. Two years older than my mom.

There is absolutely no reason whatsoever why I can’t get my behind into the gym at least five days a week.

Compliments

I went to yoga on Saturday morning and after class two women walked up to me and said:

1st woman: How hot is the “hot” class
Me: About 105 degrees. Our class is usually closer to 85-90
1st woman: OMG, I thought I was going to pass out in there!
2nd woman: How long have you been doing this?
Me: About two months, but I don’t do the hot class.
2nd woman: Did you look like this when you started? (pointing to my mid section)
Me: Yes.
1st woman (muttering): Be-yotch

I laughed and thought to myself: Don’t hate.

Warrior III

This is Warrior III or Virabhadrasana III (veer-ah-bah-DRAHS-anna) and its a balancing yoga pose which strengthens the ankles and legs, strengthens the shoulders and muscles of the back, tones the abdomen and improves balance and posture.

The idea is to get your body into a T-shape without falling.

This is one of the more challenging poses that I can actually do without any pain.

I'm hoping one day to master this one:

Yeah, right.

Yoga is NOT for punks!

Forget what you may have heard. Yoga is not for punks. It's not for the weak. And its not for those who are expecting a quiet zen-like experience.

Yoga is a full-blown workout!

Okay, so there is a hot yoga place down the street from my house. I read up on this form of exercise and decided immediately that I would not be able to handle downward facing dog in a 105 degree room. So, I opted for the "Light and Warm" class which is less strenuous and the room is only about 80 degrees.

Yeah, only about 80 degrees.

On Saturday morning I did 40 minutes of cardio and then went to the yoga studio to get my yoga on. By the time the class ended my body was not dripping with sweat -- sweat was pouring off me. Generally, I "glisten" during my cardio workout but honey, during yoga I looked like a wet rag doll.

So I went back on Sunday for more of the same.

Working through some of the poses has left me a little sore but I loved every single minute of it. I'm going to continue with the yoga classes in order to take advantage of the all the health benefits associated with the practice.

Too Much Weight

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood and it's supposed to be beautiful all week. Yay! The roofers finished the roof and even though there was one minor snafu, all is well now.

I went to the gym on Saturday morning and in addition to my usual cardio routine I did some strength training on my legs:

Leg press: 100 lbs 3 sets of 15
Leg Extension: 55 lbs 3 sets of 15
Leg Curl: 45 lbs 3 sets of 15

Today, I can barely walk.

Where did I go wrong? Well, it's been a while since I've worked with weights on my legs and I should have started with lighter weights and higher reps. I am so miserable right now I can't stand it.

On the homefront, my kids are squawking about there being no meat on the menu. My position is that both of them are old enough to prepare something else if they don't like what I've provided for them. They can survive for 31 days. I made rigatoni with meatless meatballs on Friday night. Those meatballs were awful. I don't think I'm a meat substitute kind of gal. I'm going to try these "riblets" I picked up over the weekend and see how they are. I have a feeling they too will be awful. Other than that, I think I'm doing pretty well with this meatless journey. I don't have any serious cravings for meat at all. I drove by Buffalo Wild Wings on Saturday and thought about how awesome those wings are ... then the thought went away. Just like that.

The Plateau Effect - Legs

I've been working out consistently since the end of February. It took a little time but I finally found a workout routine that works for me. I started out concentrating on cardio only and slowly but surely I've successfully added strength training to the mix. I work my upper body twice a week. I exercise my biceps, triceps, back and chest. I also do several abdominal exercises. I've been varying my routine to get the maximum effect and so I won't get bored. Sometimes I use the weight machines and other times I use free weights. For abs, sometimes I do crunches on the exercise ball, hanging knee raises or crunches with a medicine ball on an incline bench and planks. Additionally, I do cardio five times a week. The results have been pretty good.

One thing I noticed, however, is that I don't vary my leg exercies as much and I don't see any significant difference in my legs from when I started working out. I work my lower body twice a week and I generally do the leg press, leg extensions and leg curls. What else is there?

Well, I've done some research and apparently there are a ton of other things I could be doing to tone and strengthen my legs and tighten my butt. I've decided to add squats:

lunges:

and calf raises to the repetoire:

When I first started working out I had a trainer for a week. He had me doing calf raises on a machine and I literally, could not walk for a week! I've shied away from that machine ever since. I think I should be pretty safe with these though.

The goal is great legs by the end of the summer.

Guilt as a Motivator

It’s Friday night. My guy was working. My son was working and my daughter was out with her friends. I was alone, sitting on the couch and was trying to figure out where I could get a good cobb salad. Then I started to get perturbed. I eat well all week long and I began to feel resentful. I really, really wanted some buffalo wings. So I decided to knock out my grocery shopping on Friday night and while I was out I picked up some buffalo wings:

That’s right. I got ‘em, brought ‘em home and ate every last one of them. They were so good. Of course, immediately afterward I felt guilty as hell. So on Saturday morning I woke up naturally at 6:00 a.m. I made myself three scrambled eggs, toast and a large glass of orange juice with my iron supplements. I was at the gym by 7:10 and I did an hour of strength training and ab work. Then I did forty solid minutes on the treadmill. It was one of the best workouts ever. I felt great all day long. I like going to the gym in the morning as opposed to after work. When I go after work I’m always thinking about getting home so I can cook for the kids and I'm not fully focused on the workout.

Anyway, guilt is one heckuva motivator, ain’t it? I read an article over the weekend that suggested that I shouldn’t feel guilty. In fact, I should schedule one “cheat” meal a week so I won’t feel so resentful. Now, that’s a great idea!

When you just don’t care and you want to pig out, what is your food of choice?